Gifts in Life

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echos are truly endless." Mother Theresa

I was thirteen when my friend Tommy taught me how to play chess. I got good at it very quickly. I loved figuring out strategies. I loved winning. I loved beating him.

Playing chess helped me survive on the streets. It taught me how to use my wits. It taught me how to figure out strategies that kept me alive.

At the time, Tommy fought with me to sit still, to learn the game. I wanted to be outside. I hated being still. At first I thought the game was too boring. He was a thinker. Unlike me, he wanted to sit quiet and think. Today I am grateful to Tommy's patience and how he taught me something that became a gift in my life.

I never knew when I started blogging I would connect with some amazing people. You guys are a gift. I learn from you, from your struggles, from your comments - Thank you so much for being here, for each of you being who you are.

I read your blogs and am amazed at the courage, the strength, the kindness and the perservance you all have. I've gotten to know many of you, some more than others - I find myself thinking of you guys and praying for each of you.

And you have allowed me to have my voice, to say those things I've never able to say. I always felt alone in what happened. I couldn't let anyone in to this part of my world, the ugly part, the extreme self hate, the shame.......

You have listened, encouraged me and offered support. I want you to know how grateful I am for all of you. I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I think you guys are the absolute best. I think you guys are God's gift to me.